A group of baking and pastry students in the college's culinary arts program won a first-place award in the 2013 Sweet Charity Cake Auction, hosted by the SCV Youth Project in March.

Future Business Leaders of America — Phi Beta Lambda

2014

The College of the Canyons Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club captured first-place honors in the Division A business case analysis competition at the FBLA Phi Beta Lambda California State Fall Business Leadership Conference in Visalia on Nov. 8 and 9. The students outperformed representatives from institutions such as University of California Berkeley, UC San Diego, UC Riverside, USC and more. Team members winning the Division A case analysis were Jared Moberg, Lindsey Stoneman, Sandy Sy and Sobhy Singh. Team members competing in Division B were Joanna Baca, Miranda Gerda, Yazan Khoury and Allison Silver.

2014

In March, 10 College of the Canyons Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club students received awards in competitions at the FBLA-PBL California State Business Leadership Conference in Los Angeles. Of that group, two students qualified to represent California at the FBLA-PBL National Conference in Tennessee.

2012

The College of the Canyons Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club participated in the California State FBLA Fall Business Leadership Conference in Sacramento on Nov. 10 along with 200 FBLA members from across the state. The club was awarded special recognition by the state organization for “Largest Increase in Chapter Membership for the Fall 2012 Semester.”​

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship

2013

COC student Kristina Smolenski was one of approximately 60 community college students across the nation to receive the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship in April. The award will provide Smolenski, who was accepted to the University of Hawaii at Manoa, with up to $30,000 a year to complete her bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university. It's the largest private scholarship available to two-year and community college transfer students in the country. Students must be individually nominated by their institution and cannot apply directly. Smolenski, double majoring in art and biology, became the first COC student to receive this honor.

Model United Nations​ Team​

2014

The Model United Nations Team hosted its second conference in partnership with California State University Northridge at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Oct. 11. Of the 11 awards given at the conference, College of the Canyons students won five. Ryan Arroyo and "RJ" Singh won awards in the Security Council competitiion, while Elise Levy, German Hernandez and Colby Tunick won awards in the General Assembly contest. Team members also included Audrey Whelan, Dalia Banna, Devon Miller, Evan Beirold, Gilma Bernal, Gio Cervantes, Kilmar Martinez, Logan Ward, Mary Thompson, Matt Hathaway, Mikela Pazmino, Terrell Hawkins, and Veronica Guerrero.​

2014

On multiple occasions, the Model United Nations Team excelled on the big stage. At its UC Riverside conference, only two “committee” awards were given, with both going to COC students. The Model UN Team won the award for Oustanding Large Delegation at the UCLA Conference. The award was a tremendous team achievement for COC, as the college finished among the top four programs at the conference, the others being Stanford, UC Berkeley and Claremont McKenna College — all Top 20 nationally ranked Model UN programs.

2013

The Model United Nations Team won four awards at the Model United Nations Conference hosted by UCLA. The conference included teams from Stanford, UC Berkeley and Princeton. A number of community colleges also fielded teams.

2013

Dr. Phil Gussin and the Model UN Team traveled to Harvard University to participate in the team’s first national competition in March. Of the more than 300 colleges and universities in attendance, COC was one of only four community colleges in the nation – and the only one from California. Despite not bringing home any awards, the team entered the competition very well prepared, and gained the notice and respect of several more experienced teams, all while displaying their Cougar Pride on a national stage.

2013

The Model United Nations Team participated in the Long Beach Intercollegiate Model United Nations Conference, earning four of the 10 awards available.

Phi Theta Kappa

2014

In April, College of the Canyons students Craig Dermody, Jessie Warme, Ryan McPeters and Shawnee Stump were honored at the annual PTK Awards, held for PTK members maintaining a 3.5 cumulative GPA, participating in honors programs and maintaining leadership and service roles in the community and at school. In total, 75 students across the 112 California community colleges were chosen to participate, with Dermody earning distinctions as the Coca-Cola Gold Scholar winner. In receiving the award, Dermody beat out the more than 1,700 applicants who were eligible. The COC Phi Theta Kappa chapter picked up a number of awards of distinction, including Distinguished Chapter Award, Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award, and Distinguished Chapter Officer Team.

2014

College of the Canyons graduate Jessie Warme was named the recipient of the 2014 Phi Theta Kappa Hites Transfer Scholarship, joining a select group of just 10 community college students across the nation to receive the prestigious award. The Hites Transfer Scholarship Program is meant to recognize the outstanding academic achievement of Phi Theta Kappa members. This year, $7,500 scholarships were awarded to 10 community college students selected from more than 2,200 applicants. A valedictorian of the college’s 2014 graduating class, Warme maintained a 4.0 GPA while double majoring in mathematics and social & behavioral science. During her time at COC Warme was actively involved with the college’s Model United Nations and Speech teams, as well as the college’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society.

2013

Phi Theta Kappa members Ryan Arroyo, Anthony Fernandez, Michael Kramer and Kathryn Webb were selected to be part of the All California Academic Teams. They were part of a group of 60 students selected from all community colleges in the state. This special award makes them eligible for great scholarships through Phi Theta Kappa and the Coca-Cola Foundation.

2013

The Phi Theta Kappa chapter, under the leadership of biology instructor Miriam Golbert, traveled to the organization’s Nevada/California Regional Convention in Las Vegas, where the COC chapter received the following awards and/or recognition: first place (Honors in Action Research, third place (Honors in Action Project), third place (Distinguished Chapter Office Team), and Five Star Level status (the highest possible).

Sociology Book Awards

2013

Jonathan Almarez won first place in the 17th Semi-Annual Sociology Book Award in March for his article: “An Analysis of J.M. Coetzee's Disgrace by Means of Hybridity, Ambivalence, and Feminism." Alexjandro Castro won second place for “Farm Workers: A Case of Injustices,” and Ryan Joslin won third place for his essay, “Do You Know What You’re Eating for Dinner?”

Speech Team

2014

Chemistry “clicked” for the College of the Canyons Speech Team, which achieved enormous success at the national and state levels — capturing five medals at the 2014 CCCFA State tournament in Concord before placing 8th at the Phi Ro Pi National Tournament in Denver in February. The finish was the team’s second best-ever result at the national tournament.

2013

The Speech Team won a college record five medals at the 2013 Phi Rho Pi National Speech Tournament at the Woodland Hills Marriott in April. The team won one gold medal, one silver medal and three bronze medals.

2013

The Speech Team won a college record seven medals at the 2013 California Community College Forensics Association (CCCFA) State Tournament, held at the Woodland Hills Marriott on March 17. Over the four-day competition, the team combined to win two gold medals, four silver medals and one bronze. As a result of these tremendous individual achievements, the team was awarded 2nd place in the tournament’s Limited Entry Division (18 or fewer slots). The event also marked the first time COC has placed at the CCCFA state event, as well as the first individual gold medals taken home by COC at the tournament.

2013

The Speech Team won first place at the PSCFA Spring Champs Speech Tournament in the Limited Entry Division at California State University, Long Beach in March.

2013

The Speech Team took first place at the annual Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensic Association Spring Champs Speech Tournament’s Limited Entry Division, in addition to several individual awards in March. The event – held at CSU, Long Beach – marked several firsts for the COC team, including a college-record three individual first-place finishes by COC students Derek Isomaki (impromptu category), Shawn Kern (persuasive) and Hillary Philips (programmed oral interpretation).

Sports Medicine Club​

2013

On March 9, 2013 students from the college’s newly formed Sports Medicine Club traveled to California State University Long Beach to participate in the Bailey Arnheim Games. Students were tested on their taping skills, injury-evaluation practices and teamwork in completing a 40-yard dash, while carrying emergency equipment. Despite being the only community college to participate and competing against mostly juniors and seniors from surrounding four-year universities, the COC team earned a total of nine awards (including three first-place finishes) in categories such as Tape Relay, Ankle Tape Off, Super Relay, and Upper Extremity Evaluation.

Departments

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English Department

2014

College of the Canyons instructor Alene Terzian and her students assembled the college’s literary magazine, “Cul-De-Sac,” which earned first-place honors in the Pacific-Western Division of the Community College Humanties Associations 2014 Literary Magazine competition. The annual publication highlights the best student submissions in short story writing, poetry, photography and art.

Fast Track Institute

2014

The Fast Track Institute was honored with an Outstanding Achievement Award from the South Bay Workforce Investment Bureau in October 2014 for its success in funneling skilled, trained employees into the workforce. In 2013-14, Fast Track Institute graduates from the Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) Machining and Assembly & Test Technicians programs achieved a 77 percent placement rate in the professional realm. ​

Institutional Research

2014

In recognition of College of the Canyons’ Program Review, the Research and Planning Group awarded the school its Excellence in Planning Award, given for innovation and facilitating evidence-driven planning and decision-making through collaborative measures. Additionally, the college received accolades from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. In receiving the Technology Focus Award, the college was recognized for comprehensive planning consistent with the college's mission statement and vision.

Medical Lab Technician Program

2013

The Medical Lab Technician (MLT) program’s media piece won 3rd place in a nationwide competition that was part of the National Lab Professionals Week. The April competition was sponsored by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP). The theme for the contest was “Igniting the Spark in Lab Science.”

Music Department

2014

The COC Studio Jazz Ensemble picked up two awards at two competitions in May. The group was awarded third place at the 52nd Annual Reno Jazz Festival, which featured musical competitors from across the nation. The Studio Jazz Ensemble was also named state champion for the community college level at the Annual California Alliance of Jazz Festival.

2013

COC Jazz ensembles Just Jazz and House Blend were accepted to the Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival, where they won two outstanding soloist awards and a third place trophy for Just Jazz in April.

2012

The college’s vocal jazz choir, Just Jazz, placed third among a field of six college jazz choirs from across the nation during the prestigious Next Generation Jazz Festival in Monterey March 30 to April 1. Just Jazz soloist Natalie Mendoza received the competition’s Outstanding Soloist trophy.

Small Business Development Center

2013

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at College of the Canyons held its annual Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP) business plan contest in December, with a number of winning entries coming from current and former College of the Canyons and Academy of the Canyons students. Business plans were judged based on a written plan and verbal "pitch" presentation, with the top winners taking home cash prizes and moving on to the statewide YEP business plan competition in Sacramento in May. In the category for those age 18 to 27, the award for Best Overall Plan went to COC students Joseph Homayouni and Victoria Rodriguez. The award for Best Written Plan went to COC student Brandon Mims, while the award for Best Pitch went to a two-student team led by COC graduate Sheena Marie Streling.

Public Information Office

2014

The College of the Canyons Public Information Office yielded impressive results at the 2014 Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) Awards, which honor excellence in public relations print and digital media marketing. cocathletics.com and canyons.edu took first and second in the Best College Webpage category, with three other second place finishes in categories such as Best Newsletter and News Release. In total, the college captured awards across eight categories.

2013

The Public Information Office took home three awards at the 2013 Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) annual competition: 1st place for Print Advertising, 2nd place for Logo Design and 1st place in the Wild Card category for the PAC mid-season calendar.

2012

The Public Information Office took home a record-setting number of awards at the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO) annual competition. Awards were handed out to recognize the very best in print publications, advertising, public relations/communications, electronic media and visual arts projects. In all, the college came away with 17 awards in 12 categories, while collecting seven first-place awards and sweeping two entire categories – the most the department has ever won in a single year.

Athletics

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Athletics: Western State Conference Supremacy Award

2013-14

In 2013-14 the Cougars took home WSC championships in women’s volleyball, men’s cross country, women’s soccer, men’s track & field, men’s golf, and a co-championship in softball. That was good enough to give the school its first ever WSC Supremacy Award, dethroning rival and defending-champion Ventura College. The annual award recognizes the collective performance of community college sports programs in the WSC.

Athletics: Coaches of the Year

2013-14

A big reason for the success of Cougar Athletics during the 2013-14 season were the coaches. Five head coaches won “Coach of the Year” awards, including women’s volleyball head coach Lisa Hooper, women’s soccer head coach Justin Lundin, head football coach Ted Iacenda, men’s golf head coach Gary Peterson and Belinda Kane, who captured two awards for best coach in men’s cross country and men’s track and field.

Basketball

2013

Men’s Basketball Coach Howard Fisher was named one of five finalists for the 2013 Red Auerbach College Coach of the Year Award in May. The award is given annually to the nation’s top Jewish college coach, as voted on by the members of the Jewish Coaches Association (JCA).

2013

The men's basketball team finished its 2012-13 conference season in March with a 9-1 record, becoming the champion of the Western State Conference South Division. The conference title marked the first for the program since 2007. The team earned the No. 6 seed in the Southern California Regional Playoffs, defeating Allan Hancock College 71-68 on March 1 before falling to No. 3 seed Mt. San Antonio College 93-85.

2012

The men's basketball team secured a third-place finish at the 61st Annual Gregg Anderson Memorial Tournament at Antelope Valley College in December. The Cougars captured the third-place victory by beating Glendale College 90-74. The team vanquished Mira Costa College 81-77 in the opening game, then fell to Pierce College 72-60.

Cross Country

2014

The College of the Canyons men’s cross country hoisted a state championship trophy for the first time since 1975, as the Cougars ran to a 79-86 victory over three-time defending state champs American River College at the 2014 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Cross Country State Championships in Fresno on Nov. 22. The women’s team also had a successful trip to Fresno, finishing in second place behind eventual champions Mt. SAC to end its season on a high note. With its win, the men’s cross country program achieves the cross country equivalent of a triple crown season -- taking the WSC title, the SoCal Regional title and the State Championship. Meanwhile, the women’s program took the WSC’s second spot before placing third in Southern California, but second in the state. Head Coach Lindie Kane also becomes the first female coach to win a CCCAA men’s cross country state championship.​

2014

The men’s cross country team competed in the SoCal Championships in Van Nuys in November and emerged as Southern California champs. COC’s five-man team turned in a score of 91 to finish ahead of Mt. SAC (121) and San Bernardino Valley College (135). Sophomore Rodrigo Ornelas placed fifth among the field of more than 200 runners with a time of 20:17.3.

2014

The cross country teams achieved a college first on Oct. 17 at the Mt. SAC Invite, winning the event's Combined Sweepstakes title as the program with the best men's and women's overall performance. The men's and women's combined team time of 200:23 topped both Mt. SAC (201:22) and Glendale (204:05) for the sweepstakes title.

Football

2012

All-Pro defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul and the New York Giants are world champions, marking the first time in college history that a former Cougar has won the Super Bowl. Pierre-Paul played a huge role in the Giants' come-from-behind 21-17 victory. JPP recorded two tackles, knocked down two passes and applied constant pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, including a big hit that played a factor in Brady throwing a fourth-quarter interception and heavy pressure during the pivotal Hail Mary pass that ultimately ended the game.

Golf

2014

The women’s golf team wrapped up a remarkable season by finishing just three strokes back of the eventual state champion, College of the Desert, to take second place at the 2014 CCCAA State Championship in Morro Bay on Nov. 16 and 17. Individually, freshman Tiffany Whitaker carded a 77 to finish in fifth place overall with a score of 156. As a result, she has been named a 2014 All-State Honoree. On the season, Canyons won all seven WSC events to finish as conference champs for the first time since 2010. In addition, all six COC golfers were named to the All-Conference team.

2014

The men's golf team won a Southern California Championship, earning a spot at the four-team State Championship Tournament at Victoria Club in Riverside onMay 12. The Cougars' regional championship is the third such title for the program and the first since 2012. Sophomore golfer Sidney Wolf brought home individual medalist honors after carding an 8-under-par-136 (68-68), making him the first individual COC golfer to win the tournament since 2006. ​

2013

The College of the Canyons men's golf team topped off an amazing season with a state title at the 36-hole California Community College Athletic Associations Men's Golf State Championship in May.

2012

Women's golfer Kristin Grimes turned in a score of 75 in the first round of the California Community College Athletic Associations Women's Golf State Championship tournament at Temecula Creek Inn Resort in Januray to lead the field, but went on to card a 79 in the second round to drop to fourth place with a 36-hole total score of 10-over-par 154 (75-79). Grimes, the 2011 individual state champion and 2012 Southern California Champion, actually completed the tournament tied for third with Glendale's Pattraporn Silawanna. However, both players posted two-day totals of 154 with Silawanna earning the advantage on a card-off from the back nine (40-41), which dropped Grimes to fourth place. Despite not winning the state title for the second consecutive year, Grimes was still named to the All-State team as a result of her strong finish.

2012

The College of the Canyons women's golf team shot a two-round total of 622 (314-308) during the Cougar's two-day North-South Invitational in Morro Bay in January, to finish in first place in the 16-team field. COC shot a season-best 308 in Monday's second round, to beat conference foe and second-place finisher Glendale College by one stroke. Kris Grimes, the defending individual state champion, turned in a 149 (76-73) and Madison Lomas carded a 152 (76-73) to finish in a tie for second place.

Hockey

2012

The College of the Canyons hockey team defeated Cal State Northridge 10-4 in the Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association Championship in February, becoming the only team in PCHA history to win four straight Adam's Cups.

Soccer

2014

Head Coach Justin Lundin and the women’s soccer team won their fourth consecutive Western State Conference (WSC) South Championship in November. The Cougars finished the regular season 15-2-3, with a 12-1-1 mark in conference play. Lundin was also recognized as the Western State Conference Coach of the Year for women's soccer.

2012

The women’s soccer team entered the national rankings in September as the No. 9 team in the country, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). It marks the first time that the Cougars are making an appearance in the rankings under Head Coach Justin Lundin.

Softball

2014

The softball team won its third consecutive conference championship in April after finishing the regular season in a tie with Citrus College. The title marks the program's 12th championship and the fifth under seven-year Head Coach John Wissmath. COC also received an automatic berth to the California Community College Athletic Association Softball Southern Regional Playoffs.

Strength & Conditioning

2012

Robert dos Remedios, head strength and conditioning coach, was named a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches association (CSCCa). This prestigious honor – which is the highest title given in the strength and conditioning coaching profession – was bestowed on "Coach Dos" during an awards ceremony at the CSCCa’s National Conference at the Marriott World Center in Orlando in May. As one of just 15 collegiate strength and conditioning coaches to receive the certification in 2012, Coach Dos was the only community college honored at this year’s ceremony. He now joins the exclusive fraternity of 115 Master Strength & Conditioning Coaches in the nation.

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Track & Field

2014

The men's track and field team won its first Western State Conference during the Western State Conference Finals held at Antelope Valley College on April 25. The men's conference title marks the first for the team since 1970, when the squad was first formed and a member of the Desert Conference. Men's track and field member Tim White continued to dominate the jumping events at the WSC Finals. After winning the long jump the week before, White went for the trifecta and came in first place in the triple jump, to win back-to-back titles in the event, while also winning the high jump competition. Freshman Marvin Magg won the college's first individual shot put title since 2011, while the 4x100-meter relay team composed of Anthony Fowler, Jeremy Gatewood, Tymon Jones and Matt Ringgold also crossed the finish line first, marking the first title in the relay since 2007.

2012

Volunteer assistant track coach and U.S. Track & Field hurdler Lashinda Demus earned the first Olympic medal of her career, posting a time of 52.77 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles to bring home the silver medal in August. Despite running a very strong race, Demus crossed the finish line just 0.07 seconds behind gold medal winner Natalya Antyukh of Russia.

2012

The track and field team set records and won titles at the California Community College Track and Field State Championship at Cerritos College May 18 and 19. Following the team's most successful season to date, Canyons broke four college records and brought home an individual state championship in the process. Sophomore Chris Low, who has dominated the 800-meter event during his COC career, capped off another phenomenal season by winning his second 800-meter state championship in as many years. Low posted a college record time of 1:49.16 to win his second consecutive title, becoming the only COC student athlete in college history to win his/her event's state title – in any sport – for two consecutive seasons. He finishes his career at College of the Canyons as the most decorated track and field student-athlete in college history, while earning the men's track and field program its fourth individual state title.

Volleyball

2014

The College of the Canyons women's volleyball team has won back-to-back Western State Conference (WSC) South Championships — and a college record 15 straight games. By winning the program’s second straight conference championship in November, the Cougars secured a spot in the 2014 CCCAA Women’s Volleyball SoCal Regionals. Head Coach Lisa Hooper was also recognized as the Western State Conference Coach of the Year for women's volleyball for the second straight year.

​College​

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President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll

2013

College of the Canyons was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in April for a seventh consecutive year. College of the Canyons -- which has been included on the honor roll every year since its inception in 2006 -- is one of only 31 higher education institutions in the state to appear on the Honor Roll.

Exemplary Program Award

2013

In January, the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges named College of the Canyons’ Institute of Teaching and Learning (ITL) winner of the coveted 2008 Exemplary Program Award – for its excellence in providing both full-time and adjunct faculty members with an innovative on-campus professional development program. As a result of winning the award, the college’s ITL received a $4,000 cash award sponsored by the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

Developing a Community College Student Roadmap

2012​

College of the Canyons was selected as one of 10 community colleges across the nation to participate in phase 2 of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Developing a Community College Student Roadmap Project. The AAC&U’s Roadmap Project assists community colleges in creating academic support programs – tied to expected learning outcomes – that engage students at entrance and teach them, from the outset, how to become active partners in their own quest for educational success.

State Bar Educational Pipeline Diversity Award

2014

Through its participation in the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) Educational Partnerships Program alongside UC Irvine, UC Davis and others, the College of the Canyons Civil Rights Clinic Initiative was honored with the State Bar of California Educational Pipeline Diversity Award. Established in 2008, the award recognizes the achievement of law-related programs that train and support students interested in judicial and legal-based fields.

Chancellor

CSU Long Beach 2013 Distinguished Alumna Award

2013

The California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) Alumni Association selected College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook as its 2013 Distinguished Alumna for the College of Liberal Arts, in honor of her tremendous professional achievements, dedication to the field of education and ongoing contributions to the community. Dr. Van Hook was recognized May 9 alongside 21 fellow honorees selected by the Alumni Association Awards Committee. They include nine Distinguished Alumni, nine Outstanding Graduates (students), an Outstanding Professor and Outstanding Staff, as well as the recipient of the President’s Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Van Hook attended the CSULB College of Liberal Arts commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23, in Long Beach, where she was recognized in front of the crowd of more than 9,500 graduates and guests.

Single Mothers Outreach Empowering Hearts Award

2012

Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook was among 11 local women honored as “icons” for their hard work and dedication to upholding the values and vision of the Single Mother’s Outreach of Santa Clarita, during the organization’s 2012 Empowering HeArts event in November. ​

Individuals

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Victoria Leonard

2014

Victoria Leonard, professor and chair of the Communication Studies Department, was honored with the 2014 Sigma Chi Eta Lynn M. Disbrow Advisor of the Year Award. Leonard received the recognition Nov. 22 during the National Communication Association's 100th Annual Convention in Chicago. The award recognizes the chapter advisor whose dedication of time, energy and service has best manifested the goals of Sigma Chi Eta, the National Communication Association's honor society for community colleges.

Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine

2014

Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine was presented with a Sustainability Award from State Senator Fran Pavley to recognize her efforts to promote sustainability projects and programs at the college and in the community. Pavley’s district director, Kara Seward, presented the award during a brief surprise ceremony at the college’s Sustainability Center.​ In addition to verseeing the Sustainability Center, Cheng-Levine is the director of International Services and Programs.​

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Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine​

Carl Ebaugh

2014

Carl Ebaugh and Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine were recognized for their water-conservation efforts with the 2014 Board of Governors Excellence in Energy & Sustainability Honorable Mention Award. Ebaugh is the college's director of Central Energy Systems & Regulatory Compliance, while Cheng-Levine oversees the Sustainability Center and heads International Services and Programs.

During a special “Meet and Greet” reception held prior to the Dionne Warwick concert on Jan. 13, Rita Garasi was recognized with a special proclamation from Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction, for her tireless efforts as chair of the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program to further arts education in Santa Clarita Valley schools.​

Michael Gunther

2012

Michael Gunther, assistant director of information technology, was selected as a recipient of the 2012 Campus Technology Excellence Award from the California Community College Chief Information Systems Officers Association (CISOA) for his outstanding work in bringing server virtualization to the college. This award recognizes IT staff members who have demonstrated excellence at their district or college through technological advancements. Gunther received his award on March 19 at the CISOA Annual Conference in Ontario.

Phil Gussin

2012

Political Science instructor and longtime UCLA lecturer Phil Gussin received the 2012 My Last Lecture Award from UCLA. Organized by the Alumni Scholars Club, the My Last Lecture Award is the only faculty award at UCLA selected entirely by the student body. It began 50 years ago when notable UCLA professors (including legendary basketball coach John Wooden) put all of their life lessons and advice for students into one “last lecture.”

Suzanne Maihori

2012

Adjunct EMT instructor Suzanne Maihori was recognized as the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s Nurse of the Year during a ceremony held at the L.A. County Board of Supervisors meeting in May. In addition to teaching at COC, the 30-year registered nurse has served as the L.A. County Fire Department’s senior nursing instructor for the past four years.

Chelley Maple

Garrett Hooper

2011

Matriculation Director Chelley Maple and Counselor Garrett Hooper were named winners of a 2011 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award, for their collaboration in developing the college’s online, interactive student learning resource known as the Virtual learning Lab (VLL). Annually presented at the Chief Information Systems Officers Association (CISOA) conference, the Technology Focus Award recognizes excellence that evolves out of a comprehensive planning process closely linked to the institution’s mission and vision for the future. The award commends strategic and integrated uses of technology that empower faculty and/or students through sources that are within reach of all campus constituents, and often the wider community.